Wars can drain even the fittest of troops. Evident from the image above a very fatigued soldier with a facial expression that is screaming for some downtime and sleep. The war did not just induce fear, blood-soaked encounters, and life-threatening trauma, it would also drive soldiers to the point of exhaustion.
No soldier will ever get used to the excruciating level of energy that battles require. From the sleepless nights, dehydration, heat, and rough terrain to the seemingly unending movements, soldiers are sure to face unimaginable hardships.
Humanity Wins
This photo shows a beautiful act of kindness despite the atrocities that tore both parties apart. A U.S Marine giving a North Vietnamese prisoner a hearty helping of drinking water. While inhumane treatment of prisoners on both sides remained to be rampant, there were also moments when humanity prevailed.
The three prisoners shown in the image above were from the North Vietnamese Army. They were brought back to the South Vietnamese base shortly after being captured by a U.S. patrol. The white paper hanging from their necks are labels that contain the specs of when and where the troops captured them.
War-torn Families
The Vietnam War destroyed the lives of countless families. Men took part in the war, leaving the women and children to survive on their own and stay out of the crossfires and bombings.
Here is a heartbreaking and rare photo of a fatherless family trying to survive as they run away from a hot zone through a river. The anguish of the Vietnamese people did not end when the war was over; it went on for many years to come.
Camaraderie In The Heart Of Chaos
As depicted in the photo above, a Marine Sergeant shows concern for an injured soldier. This photo vividly shows the anguish and destruction that the war brings, not only to civilians but also to soldiers. Photographer Larry Burrows took this photo in October 1966, in the south of Vietnam's demilitarized zone.
Jeremiah Purdie, the Sergeant who has a blood-stained bandage in the photo, was also severely injured but seemed to be unstoppable in trying to assist his wounded comrades.
No Place Like Home
In the midst of turmoil and the feeling of inevitable demise that most wars bring, soldiers learn to create their own comfort zone. It might be through different things, but most get lost in the pages of magazines. It seemed like they would do anything to find a way to transport them back to any resemblance of a normal life, where death and destruction was something they weren’t familiar with.
Some soldiers unwillingly had to bid adieu to their lovers back in their hometown, and some were very fed up with seeing nothing but communist enemies and fellow male soldiers. During wartime, it is essential to know how to entertain oneself, or insanity might come knocking.